Tropical Storm “Beatriz” to make landfall over Oaxaca, Mexico

Tropical Depression 02E located just off the western coast of Mexico has further strengthened today and was named Beatriz at 18:00 UTC. Landfall over Oaxaca, Mexico is expected later today or tomorrow, June 2, 2017. This storm is a heavy rain producer so the main hazards are flash floods and mudslides. Beatriz is the second named storm of the 2017 Pacific Hurricane Season. 

At 18:00 UTC on June 1, 2017 (13:00 CDT), the center of Tropical Storm "Beatriz" was located about 60 km (40 miles) WSW of Puerto Angel and 335 km (220 miles) of Acapulco, Mexico. 

The storm is moving to the NNE near 9 km/h (6 mph) and this motion is expected to continue through Friday, June 2. On this forecast track, NHC warns, the center of tropical cyclone Beatriz is expected to move inland across the state of Oaxaca later today or tonight (CDT time).

Recent satellite wind data indicate that maximum sustained winds were near 70 km/h (45 mph) at 18:00 UTC. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 hPa.

Little change is likely before landfall. After landfall, Beatriz is expected to weaken and dissipate on Friday over the mountains of southeastern Mexico. 

Credit: NASA/JAXA GPM

Beatriz is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of  203 – 304 m (8 – 12 inches) across the Mexican state of Oaxaca with isolated maximum totals of 508 mm (20 inches) possible. 

Lighter amounts in the 25.4 mm to 76.2 mm (1 to 3 inches) range are possible across the southern portion of the state of Veracruz.

This rainfall is likely to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

Featured image: Tropical Storm "Beatriz" at 17:30 UTC. Credit: NOAA/GOES, CONAGUA